Friday, June 1, was the official start of hurricane season in Washington Parish, and parish president Richard N. Thomas Jr. issued a statement for parish citizens.

The statement is as follows:

“As your parish president, I would like to encourage all citizens of Washington Parish to prepare for the 2018 hurricane season. Our office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is and will continue to monitor the tropics for any development. Sub-Tropical Storm Alberto was the first named storm in what is forecast to be a busy season.

“The National Weather Service prediction for the 2018 season is as follows: 10 to 16 named storms, five to nine hurricanes, and one to four ‘intense’ Category 3, 4, or 5 hurricanes.

“Remember, no matter the forecast, it only takes one storm to hit our area to make it a bad year. While wind makes the headlines, nearly 90 percent of all deaths associated with hurricanes are from water surge and inland flooding. If you see water across the road, please ‘Turn Around, Don’t Drown.’

“At my direction, the Washington Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will post updates on our Facebook page and the parish government webpage, if a system heads toward Washington Parish.

“All residents, if you haven’t already done so, should be preparing and, as always, have an emergency plan in place. Now is the time to make sure your generator is in working order and that you have all necessary supplies you may need for seven days.

“I continue to urge everyone to remain vigilant and stay tuned to local media for any storms this season.”